What does it mean to value something? How do you treat something that is valuable? We provide care and protection for the things we think are valuable. We hide them from theft but are pleased to show them to those we trust. Valuable things are a source of contentment and of security, we can count on them to stay valuable even if we are the only ones who value them for emotional reasons.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

Philippians 2:3

So when Paul instructs his audience to value others more than themselves, what does that mean? You don’t let yourself starve or get cold or be naked. You make sure you sleep in a safe place at night and drink clean water. You take time to think about your health and hygiene.

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Matthew 25:37-40

How much better should we treat others if we are expected to value them more than ourselves?

Ethan Kirl